Bottle water

Bottled water is drinking water packaged in plastic or glass bottles. It may be carbonated or not. Varieties include spring water, mineral water, purified water, and distilled water, among others. The global consumption of bottled water rises annually, a trend driven by concerns over the safety and taste of tap water, convenience, and marketing efforts by the companies involved.

History

The history of bottled water can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence of bottled spring water being sold in the United Kingdom in the 1620s. The demand for bottled water began to increase in the 19th century, with the industrial revolution causing pollution to many natural water sources. In the late 20th century, the advent of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles significantly boosted the bottled water industry due to their lightweight and recyclable nature.

Types of Bottled Water

• Spring Water: Originates from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the Earth's surface.
• Mineral Water: Contains not less than 250 parts per million total dissolved solids and is defined by its constant level and relative proportions of mineral and trace elements at the point of emergence from the source.
• Purified Water: Water that has been processed to remove chlorine and other contaminants. It includes water that has been distilled, deionized, or reverse osmosis treated.
• Distilled Water: Water that has been boiled into vapor and condensed back into liquid in a separate container to remove impurities and minerals.

Health and Safety

The safety of bottled water is regulated by various international and national standards. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates tap water, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water. The FDA's regulations for bottled water are as stringent as the EPA's regulations for tap water, ensuring that bottled water is safe to drink.

Environmental Impact

The production and disposal of bottled water have significant environmental impacts. The manufacturing of PET bottles consumes large amounts of fossil fuels and water. Additionally, billions of plastic bottles end up in landfills each year, where they take hundreds of years to decompose. Efforts to mitigate these impacts include recycling programs, the use of biodegradable materials, and campaigns to encourage the consumption of tap water.

Market

The bottled water market is a multi-billion dollar industry, with major players including Nestlé Waters, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo. The market is driven by consumer demand for convenient, safe, and tasty drinking water options. However, it faces criticism for its environmental impact and the commodification of a natural resource.

See Also

• Water purification
• Plastic pollution
• Water footprint